Montgomery County Deportation Defense Lawyer
For centuries, the United States has attracted immigrants seeking a new life and better opportunities. Unfortunately for many, a chance at living the American Dream comes crashing down when deportation proceedings or removal proceedings begin. Just because a person is at risk for deportation, however, does not mean that the dream is over.
By working with an experienced attorney, you may be able to remain in the country and receive a temporary or permanent status in the U.S. Call a Montgomery County deportation defense lawyer to get started on your case today.
Reasons for Deportation
Immigrants inside the country (either legally or undocumented) can only be deported or removed for certain reasons. The first reason, and one of the most common, is because the person is in the country without authorization.
For example, an immigrant may have entered the country on a student visa, employment-based visa, or even on vacation and then stayed longer than they were allowed.
Next, immigrants may face deportation for violating the terms of their admission. For instance, if a student is not allowed to work but takes a job anyway, that person may be removed from the country.
Deportation is also possible if an immigrant commits certain crimes. Even lawful permanent residents, or people with Green Cards, are subject to deportation if they are convicted of an aggravated felony.
Finally, immigrants who are in the country seeking asylum in MoCo can be deported if immigration officials deny their application.
What Happens During Deportation Proceedings?
In a typical case, a foreign national targeted for deportation will first be detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). After the detention, the immigrant will receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) for a hearing on the status of their case. Some individuals may not be detained by ICE at all and receive an NTA in the mail informing them about the date, time, and location of their first hearing. If detained, during these hearings the foreign national may receive bond or may be held until a judge can hear their case. In either case, the foreign national will have to submit an application for relief if they wish to remain in the U.S.
Eventually, an immigration judge will rule on the immigrant’s application and decide whether that person is allowed to stay in the country. This process may take several months or years due to the backlog in the immigration courts. If the judge issues a ruling that the immigrant dislikes, the immigrant can appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
The BIA will review the pleadings and the application(s) filed in the deportation proceedings, as well as weigh any legal arguments filed by the foreign national’s immigration attorney before making a final decision in the case. If the decision still goes against the foreign national, then it can qualify for an appeal to a federal circuit court if certain conditions are met.
How a MoCo Immigration Attorney Can Help
Being targeted for deportation is a scary experience. A Maryland immigration lawyer understands the uncertainty and fear that removal proceedings can evoke and will work with you to find a solution to your immigration problems.
An attorney can draft pleadings, argue on your behalf during immigration hearings, and find avenues to either keep you in the country or make sure that you can leave on your own terms.
If you or your family are facing the possibility of deportation, don’t wait to get help. Contact a MoCo deportation defense lawyer and explore your legal options today.